What Causes Swollen Glands At Both Sides Of My Neck?

Posted on Mon, 23 Mar 2015

Question: I have swollen glands at both sides of my neck, under my jaw they aren't tender but I can feel them, they are not hard but not soft either. I also have some trouble swallowing at times, certain foods like bread and chicken it's almost like it sticks. I have been feeling very unwell for a while with fatigue, which has worsened over the last two months, I now need to lie down and sleep for two hours during the day, I also feel out of breath very easily and sweat even after climbing the stairs. I am cold a lot but by night I get awful sweats, most nights, I get achy joints at times, I have lost my appetite, esp in the evening I can't eat my dinner, I'm too full. If I have a glass of wine my skin itches esp around my neck and my joints ache more.

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I would need some more info.

Detailed Answer:
hi,

Welcome to Health Care Magic,

I am Dr.Muhammad Ahmad, I have read your message and will try to help you in best possible way.

I would like you to give me some more info in this regard.

Here i will ask you some questions to guide our conversation

1) Since when are thise glands there? are they equal in size?

2) Did you have any tonsils issues in childhood?

3) Any meds you used to take and are taking?

4) Any weight change lately?

5) Any history of constipation, diarrhea?

6) Did you have stomach issues ever?

7) Did you have hormonal issues ever?

8) Do you know how is your thyroid doing?

9) Any history of anxiety?

10) Any mental stress lately?

I am waiting for your input.

Regards.

Dr.Muhammad Ahmad

Resident M.D

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (7 hours later)

I'm not sure how long they are there I just found them as the area was itchy, I think they are similar size maybe right is slightly bigger , not painful , I have no stomach issues , I did have hyperthyroidism when I was 16 treated with neo mercazole it is normal now was checked a few weeks ago. No diarrhoea or constipation , no medications , no anxiety issues, had b12 definencey a few times Agsin it appears to be normal ! There is a hx of harmachromatisis in my family ! I never suffered tonsil issues but did with adenoids and ears and had them removed when I was three years old

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Your issues can be managed well.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks a heap for writing back,

MY OPINION:

1) These glands are normally prominent in many patients specially who have had throat infections in past, some times people get anxious about them but they are benign and here should be nothing to worry about if they are not increasing in size or are paining.

2) Your Lethargy looks very closely related to thyroid issues, neomercazole actually supresses thyroid hormone and if it is continued for some time it can make a person act like hypothyroid and person starts feeling lazy, I would like you to talk to your doctor about reducing the dose.

3) Sleep enough at night.

4) Drink good quantity of water with salt replacement.

5) Get you hormones checked and fasting glucose and routine blood works.

6) Weigh yourself after every 5 days and see if there are any changes.

7) I would also ask my patients to take omeprazole 40mg before breakfast.

8) A prokinetic like Metoclopramide(plasil) works real well in relieving stomach fullness issues if taking twice a day before meals.

9) Eat small digestible meals.

10) Increase fiber in your food.

11) Wait for tests and discuss with your doctor and even me if you feel like

Things should work out well for you

Stay blessed , wish you the best of luck..!!

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!

Regards.

Dr.Muhammad Ahmad.

Resident M.D.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (14 minutes later)

Thank you my thyroid issues were 20 years ago I'm not on any meds now for it . My gp called today to tell me that my cbc has indicated that I have a severe folate deficiency! I'm a little scared as I eat healthy foods including veg fruit and meat ! I drink about three units of alcohol per week, I have tested negative for coeliac disease ? What may be the problem?

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I did suspect anaemia

Detailed Answer:
hi,

Thanks for writing back,

Its great that you are doing fine as far as thyroid is concerned.

I was suspecting anaemia thats why i asked that you should get blood works done.

Well you shouldn't be scared , just read about folate rich foods and add them to your daily life.

You might also need folate pills discuss it with your doctor.

Folate deficincy main reason is poor intake, it may be low in people witj family history of such deficiency.

Did your folate get checked up ever before? was it ok?

you told me you used to have B12 deficiency...B12 and folate go hand in hand it can happen in long standing stomach issues.

You have had this issue since long, was it diagnosed why you have it?

well you shouldn't worry If you have any questions i am willing to help.

Regards.

Dr.Muhammad Ahmad

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (1 hour later)

I never had folate issues before and neither have I ever suffered from my stomach in terms of acid reflux constipation , dysmotulity or anything, I'm so whacked out, out of breath so easily , my doctor is wondering if it may be due to increased requirements by my body , I'm not sure what she means , all I know is every day I'm feeling worse , will folic acid supplements improve this ?

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You symptoms will get better with time.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Your symptoms are not typical of folate defficiency as such but folate defficiency can cause anaemia which can cause lethargy and stuff..

Possible causes in your history are》》

Increased excretion of folate can occur subsequent to vitamin B-12 deficiency. During the course of vitamin B-12 deficiency, methylene THFA is known to accumulate in the serum, which is known as the folate trap phenomenon. In turn, large amounts of folate filter through the glomerulus, and urine excretion occurs. Another mechanism of excess excretion occurs in people with chronic alcoholism who can have increased excretion of folate into the bile.

You don't have alcoholism as such but as you are prone to folate defficiency i would suggest you to avoid ANY alcohol intake.

You can also use some good multi vitamine like Centrum for women..

Symptoms are expected to improve in some time.

Just Don't panic please things will get better with use of folate and vitamins
.

Wish you the best of health.Stay blessed.

Regards.

Dr.Muhammad Ahmad.

Resident M.D.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar